Trying To Make A Red Velvet Cake

[showboat]

I have been asked to make a 3 tier red velvet cake which just isn't working.

I have never done one before. The recipe tells me to use a good quality red colouring, so I brought superflair red extra, but has come out dark.

Does anyone know of another good quality red colouring that is more of a vibrant red colour?

[woofgang]

Is superflair gel, powder or liquid?

[showboat]

it says on the label it is a concentrated paste

[Graham-W]

If it's a concentrated paste it needs blending with ordinary white icing until you reach the colour you want. Don't use it on its own.

[showboat]

Oh, I wasn't told that when I brought it. I am using to make the cake go red as the icing over the top is staying white.

I have not used food colouring before, so really need to know what is a good one to use?

[marval]

This says you used the right one.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/sunday-brunch/articles/all/red-velvet-cake-recipe

[woofgang]

just sounds like you added too much then.

[vodkancoke]

I use Sugarflair Red Extra in my red velvet cake. It's a paste and you can mix it right into the sponge mix. You don't have to pre-mix it with anything. To make one red velvet cake I use about 1/2 tsp and my red velvet cake is always a vibrant red. If your cake looks more brown than red, then you haven't used enough.

[welshlibranr]

I too use sugarflair red food colouring, the colour is strong and very concentrated, half a teaspoon should be fine for Red Velvet cake....maybe you used too much!........